Family House

Mission
Family House provides affordable, home-like accommodations for families of adult and pediatric patients and individuals who travel to Peoria in the midst of a medical crisis or to receive specialized healthcare services.

The first hospitality house in Peoria, Family House has been serving families with care and compassion since 1985. We welcome families from throughout the United States and across international borders, providing more than 6,700 nights of stay each year.

Caring for the Caregiver
Unexpected events, such as the hospitalization of a loved one, may lead to high levels of stress and crisis—especially when the family member must be taken to a hospital in a city away from home. Caregivers who travel to be with their loved ones face multiple stressors brought on by financial burdens, conflicting emotions, interrupted sleep, lack of regular meals and changes in routines.

Family House has been called a “life-saver” and an “oasis” by families in the midst of a health crisis away from home. The availability of donated meals and snacks in a home-like kitchen contribute to improved personal wellness for caregivers. Sleep quality is also improved, as guests may rest in their own space, which includes a bedroom and private bath. Guests say they appreciate the comfort of being surrounded by those who understand their varying needs for company and conversations—or solitude and quiet.

Family House provides a peaceful environment that allows caregivers to complete important daily tasks others take for granted, such as sorting out finances or managing family issues. It is priceless for caregivers to be able to sit back in a comfortable armchair without others waiting for their turn; to have a quiet, sit-down meal without the machines of the hospital room; to do laundry or grab a healthy snack before returning to the hospital—rested, recharged and ready to care for their loved one. In an unknown world, a welcoming place like Family House becomes a refuge for hurting caregivers.

A Place to Call Home
Family House is staffed 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by caring and compassionate staff members and volunteers, who welcome families of adult and pediatric patients who are receiving healthcare services from the four Peoria hospitals or other organizations like Illinois CancerCare, St. Jude and hospice care providers. Depending on the services being received, families stay for one night, several weeks, or many months.

OSF HealthCare, UnityPoint Health – Methodist and Kindred Hospital provide complimentary shuttle service between Family House and the hospital. Those who choose to stay at their loved one’s bedside are welcome to use the day services at Family House, which include shower and laundry facilities.

How to Help
There are many ways you can get involved with Family House:

Provide a meal for our families.

Conduct a Fill the Pantry Drive. A wish list is available at familyhousepeoria.org.

Organize a group volunteer day—or come volunteer yourself!

Serve on one of our committees.

Plan and implement a fundraising event or activity.

Participate in the Golf Outing or attend the House Party.

Donate!

Community engagement and gifts to Family House help us provide the most precious gift of all: time together for families in their time of need. To learn more about how you can support Family House, please call (309) 685-5300.